An Education for Justice: The General Education Curriculum at John Jay College

John Jay students take a series of courses to learn essential skills and knowledge for success as individuals, as professionals, and as advocates for justice in their community and the wider world.

In addition to your major and electives, every John Jay student takes a series of courses in the college’s general education program. These courses are designed to guide you through learning the foundational skills and knowledge you need to succeed in college, in your professional life, and as an engaged individual working to create a more just community and world.

Critical Reasoning

81% of employers value Critical thinking and analytic reasoning

56% of employers value Quantitative reasoning

Communication

85% of employers value Oral communication

82% of employers value Written communication

83% of employers value Teamwork skills in diverse groups

Research and Information Literacy

68% of employers value Information literacy

60% of employers value Technological skills

Creativity and Problem Solving

70% of employers value Complex problem solving

65% of employers value Innovation and creativity

Ethical practice in a Diverse Society

96% of employers value Problem solving in diverse settings

81% of employers value Ethical judgment and decision making

Civic Engagement and Global Citizenship

86% of employers value Civic knowledge, skills, and judgment

78% of employers value Intercultural skills and understanding of societies and cultures outside the US

Intellectual Maturity

•80% of employers value the ability to Apply knowledge in real-world settings

At John Jay, you will have the opportunity to develop these skills while taking courses that explore justice in its many dimensions – criminal, gender, social, racial, environmental, the science and data behind the pursuit of justice, struggles for justice around the world, their historical context, and the expression of justice in the arts and humanities. At the center of the curriculum is the John Jay Justice Core, which allow you to engage with justice topics that matter to you while learning the skills you need to become an effective advocate for justice. For a list of general education requirements and how to meet them, visit our general education advising page.